Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Yahya on 08/01/2017 10:15:23

Title: Is it possible for a needle to stand on a smooth surface, say glass?
Post by: Yahya on 08/01/2017 10:15:23

has a person ever been able to make a needle stand in very smooth surface? by accident ( many attempts ) or using a device for this purpose? supposing there is not moving air? and for other factors like magnetic fields let this needle be massive say 1 kg and let it be of non-magnetic material ?

Title: Re: Is it possible for a needle to stand on a smooth surface, say glass?
Post by: zx16 on 09/01/2017 23:50:50

I don't think this possible, if the needle is placed on Earth.  Because the Earth is subject to so many disturbing influences. Such as the presence of the Moon. The Moon's gravitational influence is not slight,
It makes huge masses of water in the oceans rise and fall every day, by tens of metres.

Can you imagine what effect it would have on a tiny needle, delicately balanced on a smooth glass  surface?  As soon as the Moon rose over the horizon, its gravity would pull the needle towards it.

The needle would fall over.